Graded photonic crystals curve the flow of light: An experimental demonstration by the mirage effect

We report the experimental demonstration of a beam curvature in graded photonic crystals via a spectacular mirage effect. A two-dimensional structure of metallic rods is constructed to produce this effect in the microwave domain near 10 GHz. Experimental results are in excellent agreement with theoretical predictions, thus, proving the versatility of graded photonic crystals in view of their integration in future photonic circuits. (C) 2008 American Institute of Physics.